Thank you for taking a moment to read this important message. My name is Captain Matt Cavanaugh (U.S. Army; West Point 2002). In my two tours in Iraq, I saw fellow soldiers suffer devastating wounds, and I have watched the impact on their lives and families as they struggle to recover. On Veteran’s Day 2008, my friend & fundraising partner, Mr. Tom Cocchiarella (Air Force Veteran) and I launched “Team Wounded Warrior Project.” We dedicated ourselves to raising money and awareness on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization whose core mission is to “honor and empower [severely] Wounded Warriors.” Since then, we’ve raised approximately $42,000, spoken to numerous audiences, received local and national press coverage, and touched millions of Americans through Team Wounded Warrior Project’s efforts. We did this primarily through endurance and ultra running events. In 2009 Team WWP pushed through 250 miles; the 2010 schedule adds up to 300 cumulative miles:

I want to help the 30,000+ Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who have returned home without limbs, severe burns, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, by pushing beyond my physical and mental limits in their honor. During the recovery process, America’s severely wounded are pushed beyond their physical and mental limits on a daily basis, and their families fight to help them as their lives and dreams are forever changed. These individuals simply need more than the government is able to provide them, and Tom and I feel compelled to help by taking on this challenge.

So, how can you support Team WWP? Here are two ways:

1. Use the link above to our secure donation server. From here, you can contribute directly to the Wounded Warrior Project. Your donation immediately generates a receipt for tax purposes. I respectfully ask that you consider supporting me ($1 per mile) for one or more of these events. One hundred percent of your donation goes straight to the Wounded Warrior Project; there is no “middle-man.” All training, travel, and race expenses (estimated to be $5,000-$7,000) are borne by me – not your donations.

2. Attend our 2nd Annual Team Wounded Warrior Project Silent Auction (and Comrades Marathon Sendoff) on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the South Saint Paul VFW! Last year’s event was attended by over 300 people, raised nearly $14,000, and we hope to double that amount in 2010! We will have local celebrities, a large silent auction (St. Paul Vulcan Krewe Fire Truck, golf clubs, etc.) as well as Veteran’s groups and ROTC Honor Guards present. Food and a cash bar will be available. Email Matt if you would like to purchase an advance ticket (matthew.cavanaugh@us.army.mil).

Please remember the African proverb: “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Our support, together, can have a powerful, tangible impact on these severely wounded men and women. 2009 proved that and our 2010 season will be even greater! I humbly ask you to join with Tom and I in support of America’s severely wounded heroes and their families. They are volunteers that served bravely on our behalf, and we ask that you please help us honor them for their tremendous personal sacrifices – we must not forget them.

Connect.

On Life, Strategy, and Running.

Some thoughts and ideas from a US Army strategist – what you’re reading started as a personal blog in 2008, morphed into the now-defunct WarCouncil.org from December 2013 to May 2015 (which became the nucleus of the Modern War Institute’s Commentary & Analysis section) – this site’s third incarnation is now a hub for my writings. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer.

The views expressed on this site (in the essays and all content) are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of West Point, the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.

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